In Need of Your Suggestions.

Nothing like starting off the day with onion breath and jalepenos so spicy they make your eyes tear up.

I ‘forgot’ (at least that is what I am telling Billy) to pack my bfast and was forced to go to Subway for a flatbread egg sandwich. I did have oatmeal in my desk drawer but I think I have officially overdosed on that stuff and the thought of eating it makes my stomach a little nauseous.

Below is not an advertisement for Gold’s Gym Tour de Cure but me trying to take a picture of my sweatiness after teaching a class. I can come out of the saddle now and actually pedal faster than my usual 2.5 mph that I have been doing for the last two months.

The best part about spin is that a girl in my spin class is having her baby in 2 days and she still kicks my trash….even if my bones were whole she would leave me in the dust!!

It took me at least two minutes to take the picture and this is the best one I got. My brain could not figure out how to take a self-portrait with my phone at 6:45 a.m.

In case you were wondering my eyes are open and I wasn’t purposefully trying to make a creepy face, it just happened naturally.

And the beautiful spin playlist I know you have all been waiting for…… That Kanye West song is AMAZING!

Do you like vegetables at breakfast?

-I really can’t think of a time of day that I wouldn’t love to chomp on some nice fresh vegetables. I grew up with a sister that ate green peppers and jicamas like an apple….it became normal to me to love vegetable because I wanted to copy everything that she did, good thing the only bad habit I copied from her is the whole not washing your hair thing for a week.

What food are you over?

-I don’t think I will be able to eat oatmeal for at least 88 days.

If you have kids, did you workout throughout your pregnancy? Did you run?

I am working on a post about Running/birth control/periods and want to know if you have any specific things you want me to talk about? I kind of have a lot to say about the whole subject but I need your help to narrow it down to want you wanna discuss mkay? Brothers/BIlly no making any funny ‘anonymous’ comments on this one.

Chelsea J Raynes

I wish I could eat veggies for breakfast….I am working on it. I am never over any foods! I love all foods equally and would equally over indulge in all of them. Good job on healing your bones! Standing up and peddaling…woohoo!!

Jill

I never eat veggies for breakfast, but I always try to eat some fruit. I've had three kids, and I started running a lot more after I had my second. When I got pregnant with my third, I ran through the whole pregnancy (Ran 3 miles the day before I had her while pushing two older ones in the jogging stroller). I think it definitely depends how you carry the baby. For me, it was not painful or I wouldn't have done it, but I know plenty of women who need to stop at around 5 or 6 months. I recovered quickly and was able to start running again very quickly (don't tell my doctor, but I started running about a week after I had her) with no problems. I slowed way down during pregnancy and took my time to build back up. When I ran a half marathon when she was 3 months old, my time was about 9 minutes slower than my PR. I'm running a 10K this weekend and I'm interested to see how my time will compare to the 10K I ran right before I got pregnant.

Anyways…I think running during pregnancy is a very individual situation, but I'm lucky enough to have been able to do it.

XLMIC

Just as every body is different, so is every pregnancy. I was horribly nauseated for 3 full months with my first and could hardly eat and had no energy. I was super fit when I got pregnant and had this fantasy that I would just keep up with my program. I sat on my tush (or rather laid on the sofa) for 4 months. Then I started aerobics and step class every day until after my due date.

With my second baby, I was training pretty intensely (for rowing) and thought I was overtraining to be so tired all the time. No, just pregnant! I kept up running and erging until 5 months pregnant when every step made me feel like I would just up and pee. And my belly was too big to compress on the rowing machine. Then I went back to the aerobics classes.

With my third baby, I did Bikram yoga 3x a week the entire pregnancy and no other exercise.

This last time (#4) I did P(reggo) 90X for a while until the jumping around made me pee in my shorts and I couldn't break away from my chicken pot pies long enough to get anything done, let alone work out :P

Veggies are good any time of day :)

Julia

I like vegetables when I eat sandwiches like from subway and stuff but I do not think I would ever choose to just make veggies on my own for breakfast…well on the rare occasion I sometimes make omelets.

I have never had kids nor been pregnant so I do not know about the whole working out during pregnancy situation but I do take birth control…so I would wonder about the effects of that.

WHY could I not get out of bed for spin this morning!?!? daaaaang it. I need to get back into my morning routine. blah.

Lara

I agree with Bekah, I'd be interested to hear how much running and how low of a BMI the average woman can maintain without screwing up her cycle and thus ability to conceive. Paula and Kara definitely had IVF, there's no way anyone can run that much and be fertile, but how much can we take? A lot of us are on the pill so we don't even know if our cycle is normal. I always worry that I'll have trouble getting pregnant when I want to, but what can I do about it?

Geek 3000

Brooke Hansen

I just started reading your blog and I am addicted! I was throwing up 10 times a day while I was in the first trimester, so I did not workout for about six weeks, but then went back to my pre-pregnancy workout of running, lifting weights and yoga. I felt good running the whole time, but not everyone does! I think it gave me more energy during my pregnancy! And I love veggies for breakfast if they are in an omelette or a breakfast sandwich.

Three Girls and a Dad!

I agree that each pregnancy is unique. I was nauseated with both pregnancies to the point where it was really hard to workout. I did it when I could and even ran a few races. Once the second tri hit, I was back to running. with pregnancy # 1 I had some issues that put me on pelvic rest, so I had to stop. With pregnancy # 2 I ran up to 7 months or so, but was carrying very low and the pressure was too much. When I did work out I felt great, despite people staring at me on the TM.

With both pregnancies I was running about 3 weeks pp and PR'd my half marathon at 5 months pp.

One thing to add, I did not get preggo easily, especially with #1 While my BMI was normal, I was putting in a lot of milage and I always wonder if that affected my ability to conceive. I did cut back on running when I finally got preggers.

Oh and right now I am really over chocolate. I completely OD'ed on Easter chocolate this week!!

Kristen

I cant eat veggies for breakfast but I can snack on them after. I did a lot of yoga and pilates with both my kids. With my second I did kickboxing up until 7 months when bounce just was not pleasant and made me have to potty. I also lifted weights the entire time and did spinning up until 2 days before my little guy was born. I was back to the gym and on the elliptical about 8 or 9 days later. I am really burned out on oatmeal.

My Name is Morgan... and I'm a Pumpaholic

Hey Janae! I'm also a spin instructor, and I was just wondering are all of your songs edited? I LOVE Kanye but can hardly find any clean songs of his, and those that are almost aren't worth it with half of the words gone lol. I was never told no swearing in my music, I just figured I ought not. So I'm curious as to what you do

Chels

Sometimes if I am hungry on my way to work I snack on cucumbers or celery. A food that I am totally over is spaghetti squash…I ate the heck out of it this summer and tried eating it a week ago and could still not stomach it.

Becca

I have never posted here before, but I love reading your blog! We just moved away from Utah County about 6 months ago so I love feeling like you are a little bit of a connection to my old life!

I have two kids, and am really looking forward to this upcoming post. I did run while I was pregnant with the first, until I was about 6 months along, then it started to hurt. At that point I walked on the treadmill for about an hour each day. With the second one, it was much quicker to get to the point where I could only walk, not run. He was much bigger and I was really off-balance for most of the pregnancy!

Shannon

I have not had kids yet, and I probably never will have kids, but I did take a nutrition through the lifespan class and it was so amazing what working out throughout a pregnancy can do! From improving the babies blood flow, to making birthing easier and making for a faster recovery after birth. If I ever do end up having a kid, I hope to be able to work out during my pregnancy.

I usually can't stomach veggies in the morning. I'm all for fruit, or spinach if it's in a smoothie… but "heavy" foods (eggs, veggies, etc) just, I can't do it!

I think I'm over spinach/salsa/cottage cheese for now…

Anonymous

talk about if certain birth control can screw you up, or if it's the amount of time you spend working out. i'm on the pill (necon) while working out 6 days a wk (a total of 9 hrs a wk) & haven't had my period in a few months…. don't know if it's the intensity of my working out (I up'ed it from 3 days of working out a wk, to 6 days) I didn't know you could lose your period while on the normal 28 day cycle kinda pill.

Jody, RD

I didn't exercise in my 1st trimester because I had foot surgery 3 weeks before I conceived. After getting out of my boot and finishing PT I was able to do exercise videos and the elliptical until 34 weeks when my OB put the kabash on working out because I was having major swelling issues.

Birth control can improve performance in someone who wasn't taking it before. HOWEVER. If you are excessively working out it can lead to the "female athlete triad" which includes amenorrhea, osteopenia and low weight.

runyogarepeat

I love seeing your spin playlists! I wish I could combine my favorite instructor's playlists with your playlists for an amazing spin playlist!I like veggies for breakfast when I have green monsters or eggs, otherwise, I'd rather have a sweet breakfast.I'm not really sure how to narrow it down, but I'd love to hear your birth control thoughts.

Lindsay and James Cotter

oh goodness, I could talk forever about birth control, nutrition, weight, and running. I finaly got off birth control last november. It takes almost a full year for your body to find its natural hormonal balance. SHEESH! I can't wait to hear more from you and your thoughts!

Courtney

Thought you would appreciate this…I just got a Keratin treatment on my hair today and can't wash it for FOUR days! It already feels like a grease ball with the keratin in so I'll be able to give you a run for your money by the time Monday rolls around! :)

As far as BC goes, I ran out of my prescription at the beginning of last summer and was too lazy to find a new doc to get another prescription. Once it was out of my system I started getting HORRIBLE side stitches on every single run. I don't know if there's a correlation, but as soon as I got back on the pill my stitches went away.

Jennie

Personally, and taking into account the fact that I am impervious to alien hormones, even the highest of doses of BC, I don't have any kind of issue with running and the BC. Maybe it's also because I've been on the same pill since I was 17. I CANNOT, however run on the second day of my period. Sometimes I can't run during the whole thing, like this month :) I am so jealous of girls who don't get crampy. Or need to take 12 Immodium during a period run. Sorry if that's an overshare. I haven't ever been pregnant, but if I can, I would like to keep running as long as I can. Brave topic!

Mary (sisters running the kitchen)

I like veggies at breakfast in omelets! I am excited to read about your upcoming post. Specifically, I'd like to hear information about High Mileage Running and amenorrhea. Also, how hard it is to conceive after this.

Grace

I'd love to hear what you (and other people) have to say about running and irregular periods. Unless I'm taking birth control, I pretty much don't get my period when I'm on heavy training schedules. I've been to the gyno about this, and she didn't seem all too concerned but it kind of freaks me out. I'm definitely not underweight (though my body fat is probably pretty low). Anyway, I'd love to know if my ovaries are shriveling and I'll never have kids :) or if other runners have dealt with this before.

Cynthia

I would like to to know if birth control affects you running wise in any way. I have a new set of pills I want to start taking but they are a different brand and I'm afraid they will mess with my hormones to much and make me suck when I run my marathon on May 14th. So i figure I'll just wait till after haha. Then I can get used to them and at least not blame sucking on them

JC

I've never had the opprotunity to go to spin, but i feel, based on your playlists, that I should make a trip to beautiful Utah to go to yours ;)

Veggies are a go all the time.

I am always over oatmeal. I used to eat it just because it was good for you – but i just hate it. I was choking it down. I also hate eggs, but they are the lesser of two evils, so i eat them for breakfast, everyday. I am not the biggest fan of milk in the morning, so cereal is OUT!

Michelle

I worked out with both of my pregnancies up until the day before both of my boys were born, and I am so glad I did! It made recovery a lot easier and I was able to get back into things pretty quickly after having my babies because I was not totally out of shape. I stopped running about 7 months into both pregnancies because it just got really uncomfortable running with a huge belly.I am excited to read this post you are working on. The topics sound very interesting..

Leianna

I've been running since I was 16 so when I got pregnant last year I told my doctor no matter what he said I was still going to run 10-12 miles a day even in the heat of the summer. And I did up until my daughter was born Sept 17, 2010. It's all about what you did before you got pregnant and I don't understand why people give it up when they get pregnant! I started running again 3 weeks after she was born and didn't lose a thing physical wise. My last race was October 2009 and my first one back with be in 2 weeks here so I'm very excited and ready!

Jess @ THIR

Margie

I've been reading (stalking?) your blog for months, and I am definitely interested in what you have to say about running, fertility, and all that mess. I am the very proud mother of a toddler and ready to try for another one, but I was small before he was born and even thinner now- I know I probably need to gain a little weight to get back to normalcy in my cycles, but it's hard! Right now I've added in whole milk, more nuts, snacks, and avocado. How do I make my body gain weight and not let my brain go crazy? Help!

runningonwords

What do you say to people who think running makes you infertile? Everyone keeps telling me to quit because it's obviously why my babymaker is broken. It's really frustrating and causes a lot of niggling doubts even though I know they are wrong.

Elizabeth Cheek

Worked out through all three–walk, run, elliptical. Ran the day before my daughter was born–the first. I don't know if I missed one day of working out with #3. I'm a believer in it!!! It did get progressively more difficult with each child/pregnancy on the joints and pelvis. The other issue for me was shortness of breath especially first trimester when your body is working to adjust to the increased demands. Last but not least I had EASY labors, no tears, no episiotomy–I also did lots of stretching prior to giving birth—and was at pre-preg wt. 1 wk-10 days post delivery!! I believe in exercise during pregnancy. Now just don't get me started on breastfeeding!!:)

solarpowered

I am addicted to veggies. A lunch or dinner is not complete without veggies, especially something green. Breakfast I can usually get away with a fruit, but most days I'm having a fruit/soy milk/walnut smoothie with a bunch of spinach in it. :)

Hope you're recovering ok! I was away for a bit, but I've been checking in…

Rene

I never do veggies at breakfast. I am over protien shakes. I'm actually over breakfast in general right now. I try to force myself to choke down oatmeal but there's no pleasure in it.I had my kids at 21 and 29 and didn't start working out until I was in my 30's but if it happened now I would for sure workout throughout. And now for TMI – I hate working out on day one during my period. I double up on protection but still stress about leakage. I like to think it's because I work out so hard… but who knows.

littleracer

I am so over tabouleh…at least for now…I overdosed on it a couple weeks ago and can't look at it now…

I love having veggie omelettes for breakfast made with spinach, broccoli, mushrooms, tomatoes, and white onion. I've even chomped on a few carrots bright and early!

I am so glad you're finally seeing some great progress in your recovery! You'll be back to running in no time and KILL the New York Marathon…I think you'll give some of the pros a run for their money…hehe!

Kiley

I ran & worked out during my pregnancy. I ran up until I was about 7 months & it was slow going by then, but I kept going to the gym & lifting & such. My doc never said I couldn't, I was pretty low risk.

After I gave birth, I started up again after 3 weeks (very slowly). I think you are technically suppose to wait 6 weeks, but 3 was long enough for me.

antosdoeslife

Talk about running and how it affects your periods (especially marathoning) and coming off birth control after 5 years and how it affects your body afterwards. I haven't had one in a couple months but I just stopped my period and I am NOT preggers!!

Kelsey

Lately I have been obsessed with asparagus/onion/mushroom/salsa frittatas…for breakfast and dinner. So yummy!

It's interesting that you mention periods/birth control for an upcoming post because of what I've been going through recently.

Over the past 8 months I have lost 40lbs and about 13% body fat, ran a couple of half marathons and training for a third, but also haven't had a period since September. I finally bit the bullet and took my first trip to the OB/Gyn yesterday because I knew we needed to figure out what was wrong.

I am totally not a fan of taking medicine/pills/birth control and she didn't even examine me yesterday, but she gave me three months worth of birth control. I've never taken the stuff before and told her I really didn't want to, but she explained to me that she needs to see if my body can even have a period at this point (because it's been so long) and the risks of not having had a period can result in blood clots, cysts and cancer due to the uterine wall not shedding each month. I decided I would rather take the pill than risk cancer.

One concern I had about going on the pill was bloating, and from the first two days I have noticed that I bloat immediately after I take it for a couple of hours and I also get really nauseous. I ran a 10k this morning and was doing great until the second half and had to take walk breaks because I was trying to keep from hurling…it was not pretty. I am sure my body will adjust but I can honestly say I have NEVER experienced nausea like this before. I just hope to be totally healthy…that's all!

When it comes time for me to have little babies, I want to be one of those mommas who is running right into her 9th month of pregnancy! I can't wait to read this post that you're working on!!

Vanessa @ Gourmet Runner

I can't believe you could ever be over oatmeal. Tis delicious all the time!I'd really be interested in knowing when it's best to compete–time of the month wise. Like when in cycle I would be at my peak fitness. I always wondered about that!

Katie

I have a feeling you and I would get along WONDERFULLY :) My hubby's name is Billy (only the coolest obviously.) I seriously am obsessed with Subway's Western sandwich on the mcmuffin in the mornings after spin at my gym! LOVE it.

Have you ran in Brooks Adrenaline shoes before? I just bought them after hearing good reviews but just wanted to see if you've tried them before!

Dorry

I ate big bowls of oats every morning for months and months until one day I was sick of it! But I had some overnight oats this morning, and they hit the spot! :) Definitely interested to read your post about period cycles/running.

RunningMama

I became pregnant right smack in the middle of training for my 3rd half marathon, and I planned to continue but some complications led to my doctor telling me to stop running. I did some spin, yoga and walked and hiked a lot.

As far as the birth control/performance issue.. I had been on birth control since I was 17, but flash forward ten years later, forget to take it two days in a row and my hubby and I have a surprise (best surprise ever!). Since giving birth I have stopped taking birth control, and I feel like my body is much more stable and effective without pumping all the extra hormones into it.

Jennifer

I generally don't eat veggies for bfast – I'm a cereal and yogurt girl. I tend to eat the same things for a LONG time until I can't eat them anymore and then move on to something else.

About pregnancy/running/etc, I worked out until the day I gave birth to my daughter. I've always heard being in good shape helps with delivery, but that WASN'T the case for me. I did run through my second trimester until I just got too uncomfortable. I did do weight training throughout my pregnancy. My doctor told me I could do anything I was doing prior to pregnancy,just not add any new workouts.

Anonymous

I have been stalking your blog for awhile now. I LOVE working out, and I have run a few half-marathons. Unfortunately, I broke my foot on Saturday. I have gone from working out 5-6 times a week to NONE for several weeks. Did I mention that I'm getting married in 7 weeks?! Eekk..just wanted to let you know I totally understand where you are coming from, and you are an inspiration!

Stephanie

I have 4 kids and have through my pregnancies after the first 14 weeks of nausea. My doctor and I both agree that it is all about what you are doing before you are pregnant. I ran a half marathon at 30 weeks with my 4th pregnancy and it was great! Something about having no expectations and just enjoying the run. I actually ran the St. george marathon 10 weeks postpartum and ran 3:28. Again, I was just enjoying the run as I was already qualified for Boston. I am not sure what you are looking for but I definitely think that it is a personal thing and each pregnancy if different.

Sid

I worked out with all 3 of my kiddos- I ran with my last one till I was 5 months prego cause I would get contractions. But I worked out hard till the day they were all born! It's such a great thing- your body recovers so much faster, and u just feel better. But I also think everyO e is different and you just need to listen to your body and do what feels best for you!

thegypsycook

I remember coming back from Israel, where they ALWAYS have veggies with breakfast…like cuke, onion, and tomato salad. For bfast. I started doing that and would just chomp into a cucumber from the garden along with my cereal and berries. So so so good.I'm really interested to hear what you have to say on the periods…I haven't had one for 3 1/2 years (although, I'm not exactly complaining…)

Pam

I love veggies any time of the day. My mother's main staple in her diet is Kimchi so, I grew up watching her eat lots of veggies 24-7!

ummm…yep…oatmeal for me too mayb 89 dys.!

Yes, I ran thru all 3 of my pregnancies up to the 8th month. All of my kids were all very healthy. I gained 16lbs. w/my first, 18 w/my 2nd and 22 w/my last! Never longer than 45 mins. maybe 3x a week and never fast. :)

Have a good night Janae!! :) xo

MotherRunner

Man, I was 100% sure I would be running until my due date.. but then I found it it was twins and knew I'd be off running at 20 weeks. Then I found out I had placenta previa and was off running at six weeks. It sucked. And then I went into preterm labor at 22 weeks and was on bedrest for 14 weeks… booo!!!

Mecham Family

And to anwswer your question, I have exercised with both my pregnancies. My first baby not as much with this one. It makes the world of a difference when you do exercise and I can see the difference between my two pregnancies for sure! I actually ran a half marathon when I barely found out I was pregnant and then a couple of 5k's before I got "morning/all day sickness" with this pregnancy. I was super super sick with this little girl at the beginning of my pregnancy. We are talking, if I got up from sitting I would lose it, kind of sick. My doctor was aware that I am a runner and informed me that it was ok if I started back up with my running once I didn't feel like puking when standing. So I did just that. I treated the first four months of pure sickness as an injury. Once that time passed I eased back into running. Although my running is super slow, and only about 3-4 times a week it has been great. I am now almost 8 months pregnant and running is a lot more difficult with my huge belly. I walk/ jog mostly. (The BYU indoor track is fabulous for this!!! Seen a prego person running there.. probably me) The elliptical and yoga are also good friends of mine. I am anxious to see how much better labor and post recovery goes with this baby. So far the pregnancy has been smooth sailin' and I will be working out till the min the baby pops out!Good times. Hope this helps!

Jennifer

I'd love to hear about running and training for races while trying to conceive. I've been off the pill since November and ready to start a family, but since training for a couple half's this last month my cycles have been off. Would it be wise to train for my first full marathon while trying to conceive?

Ashlyn

I recently went on the pill. I was (and still am) sorta of againist it. Started it the day after my first half marathon. I still am not back to my regular running self (could this be my body getting used to the pill?) I have really had problems with my periods being regular or even having one. Last year I shed some weight and I started running. My BMI is where is should be for my height. I don't want to have problems later in life when I do decide to have kids. Any ideas?

I'll eat veggies anytime of day too! I love a big omelette with spinach, mushrooms, avocado, black beans and salsa…YUM!

I'm interested to see what you find out about periods, running, etc. I'm not currently on bc because when I started it up again I started breaking out in this huge rash..yikes!

I ran through both of my pregnancies. The first I had to stop at 31 weeks because I was dilating early and they were afraid of premature birth. I was allowed to walk again at 36 weeks. With my 2nd I ran up until the day before she was born. I ran 1 race during the pregnancy ( a 5k @ 6 months along) and I ran the last 4 miles of the Boston Marathon with my sis in law @ 7 months along. I strength trained as well right to the end. I felt awesome and had two unmedicated, amazing birth experiences! I would definately recommend some sort of activity during pregnancy, although I know that not everyone feels comfortable running.

Meg

my breakfast almost every day is the veggie egg white flatbread sandwich from dunkin donuts. so that's a big YES to the first question.

I was reeeally over bananas for a while, and that was sad. I ate one a little too close to a run and I could feel it trying to come back up for the entire run. it's like it was sitting in my throat. AWFUL! I couldn't eat them for about four months, but I just tried one last weekend and it looks like I can eat them again! woohoo!

runningthedawn.com

back when i was a jazzercise instructor, i had TONS of fellow instructors that got prego and taught up until the week they delivered. they have become my heros and yes i plan on rocking the workouts while gestating. oh, and i read the book "exercising through your pregnancy" a while back where it discusses all the benefits to both mother and baby if the mom continues vigorous exercise throughout pregnancy. its awesome.

Ughhh I had this long elaborate comment and it didn't post! That's what I get for posting from my iphone!

Anyways I exercised the entire time I was pregnant.I didn't run after 20 weeks.but I still walked at a 3.5 mph @ 10% incline on the treadmill for 2-3 miles a day and hiked.I think it helped my labor was 2.5 hours long and I had no pain meds, no epidural, and I left the hospital the next day… 5 lbs over prepreg weight. I only gained 23 lbs total. I had 0 recovery time b/c I didn't really have anything to recover from.

Katie

I ran for the first 4 months, but I didn't know I was pregnant at the time! It made a lot of sense when I finally found out because I had been exhausted on my runs and couldn't figure out why. And it took me that long to find out I was preggo because I have PCOS and rarely got my period at the time. Once I found out, I didn't keep up with the running or any working out really (besides walking). I ended up gaining 50lbs after gaining nothing in the first 4 months, but my body may have just needed that much, it came off pretty quickly.

If/when I am preg again I will definitely try to workout more consistently through out. I think being a runner helped me have a really easy delivery, my labor was slightly over an hour and I didn't even have time to get an epidural.

michael. mindy. dane.

bah! you are too nice. but thanks. dane is a crazy man, but he is pretty handsom :) i do think it's time to be bfs, though. saturday is no bueno. but for reals.. let's hang out and i can idolize you two for your amazing running abilities and i can pretend i have some of my own.

Mandee

um I didn't even know there was in issue with taking birth control and running? I have been the same old me and have been running/on birth control for ages. Lucky me I guess, but I can't wait to hear more.

I looooove vegetables all the time, but for breakfast they are super good in scrambled eggs.

I am so over oatmeal too. I ate it everyday for a really long time and now I have moved onto english muffins with honey, almond butter and bananas. Or greek yogurt with honey, strawberries and blueberries (SO GOOD!)

ratherthecouch

Hmmm…interesting post topic. Very creative. You get points for coming up with a thought provoking topic that I haven't really seen done before in Blogland!

I'd be interested in hearing about how intense exercise like marathon training can lead to decreased body fat, irregular periods and infertility. We all want to be healthy, lean and fast. Is there such thing as too little body fat? How do you even know if you've reached that point it you're on birth control? Look forward to reading your post!

Big Daddy Diesel

Lacy

I ran throughout my pregnancy and had absolutely no problems. Of course, like others said, it depends on the person and the pregnancy. Though I was running slower than normal, I raced frequently and raced one week before I delivered. The most I did during the nine months was a half marathon and I averaged about 25 miles a week. Hope that helps. Looking forward to the post!

Tina @ Faith Fitness Fun

I definitely believe you can run through pregnancy if the person listens to their body and has a strong base with it before pregnancy. I didn't run because I hadn't gotten into running yet, but I did do things like spin, kickbox, lift weights, etc all throughout my pregnancy. I think it helped me get back in shape and back to workouts much faster afterwards too. Thank goodness!

Catey

Though I have always worked out as much as possible during pregnancy (except one where I there were some concerns that caused me to tone things down a bit), I did not become a runner until after my seventh baby. Once I got sucked in to that addiction I was determined to continue to run through my pregnancy with number 8! (yes really. This is Utah.) I pushed through the super sick months (the first five-it sucked) even though it often meant heaving along the side of the road, and cutting my mileage some. Awesome. I was so grateful to have pushed through that first half, because about halfway through the pregnancy we learned about some problems with the baby. Running became my therapy and helped me keep my sanity. And not only that, it also played a big role in me being freakishly healthy throughout the pregnancy and avoiding all the problems my specialists expected me to encounter as a result of my baby's problems. They commented often on how amazing it was that my pregnancy-as far as I was concerned-was freakishly boring compared to what they expected and normally see in cases like ours. There was concern about how my baby's heart and lungs would perform at birth and my drs encouraged me to keep running to provide the healthiest possible start for my little guy. He did fabulously in that department, so I like to think that the running helped! :)

All that said, before I got pregnant with him I had upped my milage which decreased my body fat enough to mess with my cycles. I had to gain weight to start ovulating again so I could get pregnant. This was the second time I'd experienced this-though the first time I wasn't a runner, just pushing workouts.

Oh, I have found that since he was born, my speed has actually increased without putting in a ton of effort. My first post-baby 10k was when he was 9wks old and had I not had the stomach flu I would have PR'ed that, first 1/2 marathon post baby was when he was 12wks. I had heard that running through pregnancy can help increase your speed and endurance afterward, seems to have worked for me!

Adrienne

Anonymous

With my first baby I had to stop running at 20wks due to some weird-o bleeding. I ran until 7 months with baby #2. I stopped running only because I started to feel like my belly was way too heavy for all of the up and down movement of running so I moved to the epiltical for the remaining 2 mos. Much better! I fight with the scale to maintain a "trim" weight because I love to eat and unfortunately, don't have HungryRunnerGirl metabolism. So running was helpful in pregnancy. I still gained loads of weight but I felt like I was doing my best to stay as healthy and as active as I knew how.